"AULD LANG SYNE."

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 286, 3 December 1930, Page 9

"AULD LANG SYNE."

TE AROHA'S OLD IDENTITIES. JUBILEE CEIiEBBATIONS. A NIGHT WITH THE PIONEERS.. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) TE AROHA, this day. The attendance at the Theatre Royal last evening for the continuation of the Tβ Aroha jubilee celebrations was one of the largest recorded in recent years. In the beautifully-decorated building pride of place was allotted to early settlers, who were present in large numbers. One of the most enjoyable evenings ever spent in Te Aroha- eventuated. The Mayor, Mr. R. Coulter, presided, and the proceedings commenced with the singing of the National Anthem by a choir of 70 voices, conducted 'by Mr. C. Rayner, and the large audience. Appreciated were played by the Te Aroha "Orchestral Society, conducted by Bandmaster H. S. Powell. Solos were rendered by Mies Strange, Mr. Ronald Walton and Mr. McArthur, a 'cello solo by Mr. Moore, quartets by Messrs. C. Rayner, P. and R. Trebileo and R. Qualthrough. The Hon. A. J. Stallwbrthy proposed the toast of "Old Identities," and spoke of the excellent arrangements which had been made to do honour to the pioneers. The toast was responded to by Messrs. P. Gilchrist, F. A. Strange and J. McSweeney, the Rev. Mr. Norrie and Mrs. Harry Adams, who related anecdotes connected with early settlement of the district. The programme concluded with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." To-day's programme included a grand procession and monster sports meeting at Hemes Park. Pioneers Honoured. The Tourist Domain was gay yesterday afternoon when a large gathering took part, in the garden party and welcome to the pioneers of the Te Aroha district. The Mayor, Mr. R. Coulter, read a telegram from the- Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, regretting his unavoidable abse'n ce, but wishing the jubilee every

success. Mr. Coulter, in extending a hearty welcome to the pioneers, said'that although the goldiield had been opened 50 years ago, and the gold had soon petered out, it had brought a fine type of settler. He also extended Te Arbha'si best wishes to the large number of visitors present, including the Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, Minister of Health, Messrs. C. E. Macmillaii, and F. Lye, M.P.'s, and Mr. W. E. Lowry, of the Piako County Council. Mr. Macmillan said he was glad to see so many old identities present. The day was one for rejoicing, and for honouring the undoubtedly good .jwork of the pioneers. Mr. Lye said mention had been made of the depression, but in 1880 to 1880 the pioneers had passed through a much more difficult period, and had accomplished great work in opening up' the district. There was no cause for despondency, as prosperity would come again. Mr. Lowry said he felt the old settlers had greatly assisted in. the development of the Piako Cou'nty, which ranked as one of the finest in the Dominion. Referring to the depression, he said it was one of the. finest things that could happen if they took it the proper way, for it would teach them a-lesson by which they could benefit, especially if they faced the position like true Britons. Proclamation Head. ■ The copy of the proclamation of 50 years ago was read by Mr. Kenrick, son of the late Mr. H. Kenrick, warden in 1880, p-ncl a gun was fired by G. Wilton. Clara Morgan, a granddaughter of Moka Hinau (Morgan), gave a hearty welcome to the pioneers. The Mayor referred to the- great beneficence of the Morgan and Lipsey family in giving endowments to churches, schools, and other institutions. - The Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, who was received with cheers, was very pleased to see such a fine gathering of the pioneers who had blazed the trail of progress. As other speakers had said, they had every reason to be confident, bearing in mind the stock from which they came. He remembered the time, when butter was 44d per lb, while sheep realised as low as 6d. Times were not so bad today. The produce of the district realised £2,000,000 per annum, which was a wonderful result accruing from the foundation laid by the early settlers. New Zealand was the best country in the world for a boy or girl to be born into. Poi dances by native girls from Tirohia were loudly applauded, and the ladies' committee then handed round afternoon tea to those assembled.